Lost propaganda poster that became a modern icon

Feb 16 2009 by Laura Caroe, The Journal

The Manleys have had hundreds of offers for the poster, including one for £1,000, but said it will never be leaving Barter’s Books.

The poster was just one of hundreds produced by the Ministry of Defence designed to steady the public’s resolve and maintain morale when war against Germany was looming.

They featured the crown of King George VI on a bold red background, and three slogans – “Freedom is in Peril”, “Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution Will Bring Us Victory” and “Keep Calm and Carry On”.

Mr Manley added: “It was only after a couple of hours of research that I realised it was produced by the Ministry of Information to influence public opinion during the war.

“This particular design was never distributed. I’m guessing they were going to use it if it got really bad and the Germans invaded.

“We are up to our eyes at the moment, everyone wants their own copy – schools, doctors and embassies around the world. When we first saw it we didn’t see it as a thousand pound note at all.

“We keep thinking the interest will drop off but it has become iconic, it was rescued from obscurity.”

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